peru

i joined the class taught by missionaries
serving in Peru for the last 7 years
they are from Hope Singapore

He told us that mission field work is worthwhile
and is the most definite struggle of life

but being there, you could say that
i was there
experience it just as Jesus was
it was worth it.

He was a researcher and was full time serving in church
before he was commited to go to Peru
he went there with his wife not long after they got married

he is a bright man with analytical thinking and simplicity in his speech
he used business model and economics to explain the mission work and how
to cross cultural boundaries
every analogy that occurs in this world could be used in expanding the Kingdom of God
He was humorous and engaging with the audience

His speech included:

(1) We are fortunate to be in Malaysia because it is a vast land. We are adaptable creatures by nature; exposed to different cultures, mentalities and personalities of all kinds. (friends from different states have different way of communicating in their distinct dialect)

(2) Thus, mission work makes more sense to us than Singaporeans like he is. (we are indifferent to different people as we approach these on daily basis)

(3) Our concept about time makes us more willing to travel as in 3 hours to visit a relative is logical while in Singapore, we would end up in the river by then. (we are more willing to spend time in travelling and hard work)

(4) He mentioned that it would be easier if we entered 3rd world countries; as they are more accepting as long as you bring funds or assistance into their countries.

(5) the entry vehicle will be more appropriate in business form than as a expariate. when you are working, your time is encapsuled by your employer, and you could have lost your job during economic crisis, very volatile. (i am a learner in this)

(6) the preparation of a mission work could not be taught or explained much, we need to experience it on site (observe and learn)

(7) learning the whole essence of the new language would take up to 3 years. it would be better for the translator to speak out the native words as it is more heartfelt and touched the congregation. (start to learn new language, when i learnt Germany, i found out that through language we could experience their way of thinking and thoughts construction)

(8) when we enter the new culture, we must abandon our self, knowledge of the past and the way of thinking. it is a relearn process. humbling experience!

(9) behavioral analysis and pyschological learning is important to be able to adapt into a new environment. (start analyse and test trial people reactions and responses today!)

(10) be realistic! and be hopeful at the same time...there would be times you asked yourself many conflicting questions and stepped in grey areas; and had to make a decision; to do it or not to do it! Be it "why am i here?" , " am i doing the right thing", to "should i bribe."